Celtics Notebook: Bradley getting stronger

For the first time in weeks on Wednesday, Celtics guard Avery Bradley put a timetable on returning from double shoulder surgery when he said he hopes to be cleared for full contact practice within the next two weeks.

By Scott Souza/Daily News staff

The Herald News, Fall River, MA

By Scott Souza/Daily News staff

Posted Dec. 6, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Dec 6, 2012 at 6:05 AM

By Scott Souza/Daily News staff

Posted Dec. 6, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Dec 6, 2012 at 6:05 AM

BOSTON

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Celtics guard Avery Bradley admitted before Wednesday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves that he hasn’t always made things easy on the training staff in his recovery from double shoulder surgery this summer.

"They’ve got to put me through a lot of tests because I lie to them sometimes," he said, "because I want to get back. But they’re just protecting me, and I’m going to protect myself, so when I come back I have no setbacks."

For the first time in weeks on Wednesday, Bradley put a timetable on that return when he said he hopes to be cleared for full contact practice within the next two weeks.

"Hopefully, a week or two weeks," he said. "We said sometime around the middle of December, so I’m hoping for maybe another week and a half."

Until then, Bradley will continue to ramp up his non-contact drills. He recently added push-ups to his regimen of lifting, conditioning, shooting and swimming. The goal is to get the shoulders as strong as possible so they can withstand the first whack he gets during a workout.

"I definitely do feel a lot stronger than I did like a week ago – a lot more," he said. "I lift weights every single day.

"I feel a lot better. I am just so excited that I am getting closer to practice."

That was welcome news for Celtics coach Doc Rivers, who said he generally leaves it up to trainer Ed Lacerte to let him know when a player is cleared, and refrains from seeking updates.

After a hard shooting drill before Wednesday’s game that left Bradley drained and covered in sweat, Bradley couldn’t contain his relief that the return date is finally coming soon.

"It’s been very hard," Bradley said. "I’ve had three surgeries (both shoulders, one ankle) already in my career. So it’s been hard for me to miss training camps, and practice, with all the expectations of being able to really prove myself.

"You kind of get down on yourself. But one thing I know is, if I work hard every single day, everything will work itself out."

Stiemsma secure with T-wolves

After starting last year on a non-guaranteed contract, and limping to the end of the season with two bad feet, Greg Stiemsma returned to the Garden on Wednesday with the security of a two-year deal (second-year team option) after signing in Minnesota as a free agent this summer.

"It was kind of different to have some teams want me," he said, "and having different options, rather than be the guy who’s just going to do whatever it takes just to make a team."

Page 2 of 2 - Stiemsma said money (about $2.5 million per year), and proximity to his Wisconsin home, were factors in his decision. He added that not having to look over his shoulder at a release or D-League demotion has not changed his outlook.

"I still have to feel like I have that chip on my shoulder," he said, "like nothing’s ever going to be given. It’s got to be taken."

Scott Souza can be reached at 781-398-8006 or ssouza@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @scott_souza.